But Why Tho?: Shining Light on a Franchise

Lizzy Garcia, writer for But Why Tho? The Podcast, and I discussed the legacy and future of Rainbow Brite … and my love of Steven Universe.

But Why Tho: Why do you think Rainbow Brite is so important?

Whitley: I think Rainbow Brite is important because it is a story where the hero solves many of the problems by talking to others and making an attempt to understand them. Rainbow Brite, in what was a pretty rare move in the 80’s, demonstrates what are generally held to be feminine attributes in a heroic way.  The emphasis isn’t on strength, anger, will, determination, rage or any of that.  Rainbow Brite saves the day using kindness, compassion, empathy, and love.  I feel like there are some adults out there that could learn a lot from characters like her and Steven Universe. 

Garcia, Lizzy. “Rainbow Brite: Shining Light on a Franchise – An Interview with Jeremy Whitley” But Why Tho? The Podcast. 2 February 2019.

Read the rest of the interview at But Why Tho? The Podcast!

But Why Tho?: Rainbow Brite #3

But Why Tho? The Podcast reviews Rainbow Brite #3.

Rainbow Brite continues to be a delightful adventure that feeds the nostalgia which is so popular right now. Reboots are all the rage and similar to She-RaRainbow Brite keeps true to the source material but successfully updates it for the modern reader, young and old. I highly recommend this book to fans of the original series but also anyone who enjoys She-RaHilda, or similar stories that focus on the whimsy of childhood and colorful adventures.

Rainbow Brite #3 is available at comic stores and digital retailers everywhere January 2, 2019.

Rating: 4/5 Color Guardians

Garcia, Lizzy. “ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Rainbow Brite,” Issue #3” But Why Tho? The Podcast. 26 December 2018

You can read the full review at here.

Talking Comics: Rainbow Brite #2

Talking Comics rated Rainbow Brite #2 an 8.5/10!

Cover: Paulina Ganucheau

Recap
The role reversal, which includes a young female protagonist rescuing the big bad wolf, (good insight) provides the intrigue and infuses the story with hope. Wisp is fun, feisty, courageous and, most of all, compassionate. She is able to see past outward appearances to the heart of the matter, which is a powerful example for any young person. I highly recommend this beautiful tale to children and parents of young children.

You can read the review in its entirety at Talking Comics.

But Why Tho?: Rainbow Brite, Issue #2

However, despite the wordy nature of the comic, it is delightful. Whitley writes an incredibly likable Wisp. Additionally, Williams’ art adds a lot of whimsy to the story with its cartoonish design. In a book called Rainbow Brite, color is very important. While a lot of this issue had to rely on grays, the end panels are beautifully colored and drawn. Pinto’s coloring within the last three pages of the book elevates the book entirely. The last pages smartly feature little dialogue and instead focus on Wisp’s expressions and transformation. Overall, I highly recommend this book for someone looking for a lighter read as well as fans of Rainbow Brite both new and old.

Rainbow Brite #2 is available at comic stores everywhere.

Rating: 4/5 Star Sceptors

Garcia, Lizzy. “REVIEW: ‘Rainbow Brite,’ Issue #2” But Why Tho? The Podcast. 14 November 2018.

Head over to But Why Tho? The Podcast to read the review in its entirety.

But Why Tho?: ‘Vampirella: Volume #2: The God You Know’

Dynamite’s Vampirella is a classic. She’s sexy, she’s gruesome, and she really needs no introduction. Written by Jeremy Whitley, illustrated by Andy Belanger and Rapha Lobosco, colors by Lee Loughridge, and letters by Travis Lanham, “The God You Know” is a great introduction to Vampirella for any newbie.

Bruce, Christine M. “Vampirella: Volume #2: The God You Know’” But Why Tho? The Podcast. 17 October 2018.

Christine Bruce gives Vampirella “3/5 stakes through the heart”. Click here to read the full review!

WMQ&A: See the Shining Light

Stoked to sit in on episode 35 of WMQ&A from the good folks at WMQ Comics. We get to talk about Rainbow Brite, The Unstoppable Wasp, and, of course, Princeless.

Need more of this podcast in your life? You can follow @wmqcomics on Twitter and Facebook, and you can follow Dan on Twitter @danielpgrote.

Talking Comics: Rainbow Brite #1

Talking Comics reviewed the first issue of Rainbow Brite:

The story is action-packed with interesting twists and turns. A transition occurs midway through the book when Wisp confronts a mystical creature which she sees outside her home. She reacts courageously, as does Willow, demonstrating the continuity between her play persona and her real life choices!   The art is light and cartoony while supporting both the thematic and fantasy elements of the story. Our little heroes are adorable and the fact that they have ambitious dreams that are unaffected by monsters and supported by parents makes the story that much better . I highly recommend this book for children and parents of young children. Overall = 9

tjaxzi. “Rainbow Brite #1”. Talking Comics. 8 Oct. 2018

A Few Reviews for Rainbow Brite #1

Wisp herself gives off a “Kelsey of the Creek” vibe, but of special note is Willow and her family. When the origin story of Rainbow Brite leads with a black girl breaking from her fantasy comic to put her homemade mage hat over her natural hair and argue about Live Action Role Play with her friend, the moment is remarkable in how normal it is. She’s not a sidekick, but a precocious nerd raised by supportive, wryly humorous parents.
By the last page, this comic made for an entertaining prologue to a property that I had little knowledge of. I envy the children who have this book put into their hands — especially once the full story is released and collected. Here’s hoping many more enjoy this re-introduction to Rainbow Brite, and the talents shaping her world.

3.5 out of 5 Fearsome Warrior Ladies

Rediscover the ’80s: RAINBOW BRITE IS THE FEARLESS RAINBOW WARRIOR WE ALL NEED

From the review:

My childhood is painted with the colors of Rainbow Brite. She was the hero I needed when I didn’t have a hero I could turn to. She and her friends were my family, and I’ve followed their adventures through thick and thin and have never wavered in my love for them. In fact, I loved her so much that, to this day, there are friends and family who still call me Rainbow Brite. So, when I heard about an all-new ongoing comic book series, I was intrigued but worried.

Then I read it. 

Released through Dynamite comics, the series gives Rainbow Brite a chance to be that hero she was for me to a whole new generation of kids and, after reading the first issue, I can honestly say they’re going to love her!

Mogan, Kenyth. “RAINBOW BRITE IS THE FEARLESS RAINBOW WARRIOR WE ALL NEED” Rediscover the ’80s. 27 September 2018.

You can read the rest of the review at Rediscover the ’80s!

¡Un Cómic Más!: RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL/INGLÉS DE “RAINBOW BRITE #1”

From ¡Un Cómic Más! (Porque siempre quieres leer un cómic más, ¿verdad?):

Este cómic es perfecto para todas las edades, con una trama inocua, divertida apoyada de un arte bien definido e inocente, este equipo creativo de Whitley y Williams logran establecer unas buenas bases para llevar esta adaptación de una serie animada a otro nivel.

Visit ¡Un Cómic Más! to read the full review in Spanish or English!